Care home is gardener's world

THE tastebuds of care home residents are being tickled by the green-fingered efforts of a long-time vegetable grower.

He said: "I'm just pleased I've been able to continue doing what I enjoy."Instead, the former pit worker has found a new role - catering for fellow residents at the Terravis Park Care Home, near Morpeth with his cabbages, tomatoes, peas and potatoes, after care home staff created him his own vegetable patch.PERFECT PATCH Former allotment holder George Glasper, who is growing vegetables at Terravis Park Care Home, near MorpethFor five decades George Glasper, 87, has been growing on an allotment he's spent years cultivating.But when he had to move into a care home earlier this year, he feared his love of gardening would wilt as he left behind his home in Ellington Colliery, Northumberland.

PERFECT PATCH Former allotment holder George Glasper, who is growing vegetables at Terravis Park Care Home, near Morpeth

The Best Time To Grow Tomatoes From Seeds

Everything has a perfect timing... even in planting tomatoes. If you wish to have the best out of what you're doing, you simply have to wait for the best or the right time in your planting especially if you choose to plant tomatoes through seeds. It could be more demanding compared to growing with the help of seedlings but it is still manageable and not very difficult to do.

Actually, there is really no exact timing or perfect time for you to plant your seeds. The key factor to your success is simply giving what your plant requires for it to grow well. Keeping it moist at all times and giving your seeds warmth while you germinate is no less than the best that you could do.Growing tomatoes from seeds begins indoors for about six to eight weeks (6-8). They can actually be directly planted outdoors but will result to minimal yield. Winter is actually the best time to plant your seeds. The season will keep your seeds moist at all times. The warmth of your soil should also be at least 15C or about 60F. You begin with a seed starting mix with peat moss. This mixture can actually be bought at the garden stores for a very convenient price. If you are planting in different varieties, it is best that you separate each type using different cans or containers.In a mixing pan, you simply have to put the mixture and add water to keep it moist. Scatter your seeds and distribute it evenly in the mixture after which you have to cover again. You have to keep your seed moist - covering and checking it after two to three (2-3) days. As it starts to sprout, (which is ten days), that's when you have to give your seeds an artificial lighting which is twelve to sixteen (12-16) hours.Ever heard of the principle of the seed? You need to plant a lot of seeds because many of it will not grow. That works with your tomato seeds as well. Literally, many will not grow into seedlings so you need to plant as many as you can.

Actually, there is really no exact timing or perfect time for you to plant your seeds. The key factor to your success is simply giving what your plant requires for it to grow well. Keeping it moist at all times and giving your seeds warmth while you germinate is no less than the best that you could do.

Author: Paul Dale

Tomato Growing Tips - 4 Basic Tips for your Tomato Growing Garden

Even people who don't claim to have green thumbs can usually grow tomatoes. They may not be edible, but they can still grow them. All kidding aside, tomato growing is not all that hard and with a little TLC, you too can grow your own tomatoes. If you're thinking about growing your own tomatoes, you should and with some of the following tips, you'll be picking your own tomatoes very soon and you will tell the difference between store bought and home grown. Once you start tomato growing, you will never buy another tomato from the grocery store ever again.

2. Don't over-feed your tomato plant. Too much nitrogen will give you a beautiful bushy plant, but not a lot of fruit. It's a good idea to prepare the soil before you plant your tomato plant. These plants love rich humus or loamy soil and it's a good idea to add a little potassium for strong stems and just a touch of nitrogen.1. To find good tomato plants, your closest garden center is as far as you need to go to find healthy tomato plants. Ask the gardener working there to help you if you need it, but common sense can be used when choosing healthy plants for tomato growing. Most people can tell the difference between a healthy plant and a limp and wilted plant. Make sure its green with no yellowing or spotted leaves. No matter where you're going to plant your tomatoes, either outside or in a big pot, bury your plant up to the bottom stems. This will allow the plant to sprout new roots and strengthen the tomato growing process. You can completely bury the bottom stems and then just cut them at dirt level.4. Picking off the first batch of flowers will also ensure a healthier plant. Doing this will strengthen the root system and give your plants the chance to mature and fill out before bearing fruit. Stake or cadge your tomato plants so they have support and strength they need to grow big ripe tomatoes. With a little care and a little attention, you will be growing beautiful tomatoes in no time. Cherry or grape tomatoes are great for first time tomato growers. They grow great on a patio or porch and they grow by the bunch. Growing your own tomatoes will save you money and bragging rights about your successful tomato garden.

4. Picking off the first batch of flowers will also ensure a healthier plant. Doing this will strengthen the root system and give your plants the chance to mature and fill out before bearing fruit. Stake or cadge your tomato plants so they have support and strength they need to grow big ripe tomatoes. With a little care and a little attention, you will be growing beautiful tomatoes in no time. Cherry or grape tomatoes are great for first time tomato growers. They grow great on a patio or porch and they grow by the bunch. Growing your own tomatoes will save you money and bragging rights about your successful tomato garden.

Author: Kenny Mcyntyre

Two Faces Of Monster Energy Drink Side Effects�ally Or Enemy?

For those individuals who have tried Monster energy drink, for sure they have experienced its monstrous effect. Designed to replenish lost body energy, Monster energy drink is really a trusted ally when it comes to activities or task which requires thousands of calories to be used. Whether you are an athlete, student, or working man, such energy drink is relatively helpful when it comes to increasing your stamina and improving your performance, no matter how many calories your body is burning.

Sunlight is critical to the success of tomato growing but the soil mix is also important. The ground needs to be well tilled and with a slightly acid level of around pH 6.0 to 6.8. Although tomatoes are known to grow in many different types of soil, one high in organic matter, light and well drained is considered to be the best.Different types of tomatoes grow better or worse in different parts of the world and different climates. Discovering which varieties work best in a specific part of the world requires some research. Often nurseries or gardening publications will be able to advise as to which types of tomato plants have the most successful history of growing in a given location.The key to growing anything organically is to avoid things like pesticides that contain unnatural chemical elements. Organic tomatoes should be grown in a warm sunny location. This can be anything from a container inside the home to a pot hung upside down to in the ground outside in a traditional garden. They should be given ample water as they grow.c. The sugar content of Monster energy drink poses certain side effects. It causes so-called laxative effect as well as sudden crash in energy level when sugar leaves the bloodstream. Although it is not necessarily a dangerous effect, but it can create other adverse effects.Many commercial brands of soil contain chemicals, so in order to grow tomatoes organically, an organic brand of soil will need to be purchased. Organic soil, unlike inorganic types, does not use chemicals to try to deter pests and make plants grow more rapidly. Organic soil instead uses compost and manure (from organically-fed animals) to do these jobs. The organic soil should be extremely dark, moist and fragrant. Organic soil can be more expensive than inorganic soil, and promotes slower, more natural growth of plants.The actual preparation of the soil, the timing of planting and the planting process are all important to the success of the tomato crop. Staggering the planting of tomato plants is one way that growers are able to have a longer harvesting season. Choosing the right tomato varieties to do this is also part of the success of having a longer picking season. There are some varieties of tomatoes that only take 65 days to produce fruit whilst others may take up to 85 days, so by selecting the right combination of varieties the gardener will be given a longer picking period.a. Monster energy drinks has high levels of carbohydrate contents. It makes more difficult for the body to absorbed foods and necessary nutrients into the bloodstream. There are also cases where difficulty in absorbing food and nutrients results to distress and gastro-intestinal problems.Growing container tomatoes.Organic tomatoes will need to be given organic fertilizer every other week to help them grow. Once they begin to bear fruit, they�ll need fertilizer after every flush of tomatoes. Instead of being made from chemicals, organic fertilizers consist of plants, animals and minerals.

The choice is yours to make.

Author: Low Jeremy

Find Out How To Avoid Tomato Growing Problems

Tomato growing is one of the most popular hobbies for home gardeners. The taste of a freshly picked sweet tomato is a real thrill for a keen gardener and for this reason, and because they are such prolific producers, tomatoes are grown in many countries worldwide. Tomato growing does, unfortunately come with some problems though, so knowing how to avoid some of these problems at the outset will help produce much better fruit at the end.

Timing of planting.Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan1. First concept is that every energy drink has its own side effects, based on the mixture of its ingredients. In the case of Monster energy drink, it has its own combination of ingredients that creates various side effects. Take a look on the following discussions:If the tomatoes are not being grown upside down, they will need support. Stakes, wire cages and trellises can provide necessary support as the tomato plants get too tall to support themselves. If the tomatoes are not supported somehow they will grow wild on the ground, which could cause them to attract pests and diseases.In discussing the side effects of energy drinks (not just only Monster brand), there are two important concepts that you need to remember. These are as follows:Before taking Monster energy drink, you must be aware of the active ingredients as well as the side effects mentioned above. It will help you evaluate if energy drink is really meant for you. Studying the side effects as well as your health condition can assure you that you are on safe hands. Although it is a trusted ally in providing the increased energy for your body, it can also be your worst enemy as well.Warmer climates offer the home gardener a chance to grow tomatoes over a much longer period becuase they get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight well into the winter period.Tomatoes need warmth to help them grow and to ripen the fruit. Before planting tomatoes, growers need to ensure that the soil temperature in their area is at least 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature during the day should also be 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature at night should be between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.Growing tomatoes from seed.Any type of tomato plant � organic or inorganic � will need plenty of water as it grows. The plants will need regular, frequent watering. Irregular watering could cause them to wilt.When using these tomato growing tips to avoid some of the main problems of tomato planting, the home gardener will have a much better chance of enjoying a lovely crop at the end of the growing season.d. Excessive intake of Monster energy drink can produce severe health problems. You are aware that one of the active ingredients of Monster is caffeine. Higher caffeine contents mean more energy it can give. Since caffeine is a stimulant, it can cause problems in your sleeping habits (insomnia) and can trigger several ailments such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan

Author: Kaye Dennan

Growing Organic Tomato Plants

Growing tomato plants is the most popular choice of individual gardeners for their home gardens. The plants are easy to grow and yield delicious fruit that can be incorporated into many foods or eaten raw. But many gardeners worry about pesticides and unnatural fertilizers and the effect these may have on the plants and the people who eat them. Some gardeners therefore choose growing tomato plants organically.

Because tomato plants are so reliant on warmth to produce fruit, even if the plant is put in the ground very early in the season the fruit still only starts to ripen at the peak of the summer with the full harvest following on from that time. The tomatoes will stop ripening as soon as the first frosts arrive as they just will not tolerate frosts.The choice is yours to make.Pests like healthy plants. Therefore, one simple way to help defend an organic tomato garden from insects is simply to keep the plants healthy. Plants that are too wet or too dry will attract more pests. Natural predators or pests will also keep them away. Ladybugs, birds, frogs and lizards will all kill pests if the garden has a source of water to attract them to it. Some other methods include sticky traps, barriers and plant collars.However, along with the growing popularity of Monster energy drinks to the market, there is also growing concerns over the potential side effects of taking it. Others are saying that there are ingredients in the energy drink, although considered to be a legal stimulant, which can create adverse effects once its intake is at large quantities.2. Side effects are not just about negative impacts. Remember that the boost of energy that Monster gives you is considered to be side effect already. The feeling of invigoration after exercising or doing a heavy-duty task is another side effect. Therefore, side effect can be both positive and negative.b. Since the absorption of nutrients is slower, there is a large chance that the fluid absorption rate of the body is also slower. Difficulty in natural re-hydration of the body during workouts can cause danger to his/her health. Athletes, who lose great quantities of fluids during games and practices, should be aware of this circumstance for they are one the target markets of Monster energy drink.Container grown tomatoes is a popular way to follow the sun during the day if the climate where you live is not generous with the sunlight. Container growing does give the gardener a chance to move the pots around to make sure the tomato plants get enough sunlight. Growing tomatoes upside down is also a popular way to grow in containers.Once the soil is warm, mulching under the tomatoes will help prevent weeds from growing. Mulching will also keep soil temperatures and water levels under control. Controlling water levels is critical to preventing blossom end rot, one of the diseases that may result from irregular watering.

Pests like healthy plants. Therefore, one simple way to help defend an organic tomato garden from insects is simply to keep the plants healthy. Plants that are too wet or too dry will attract more pests. Natural predators or pests will also keep them away. Ladybugs, birds, frogs and lizards will all kill pests if the garden has a source of water to attract them to it. Some other methods include sticky traps, barriers and plant collars.

Author: Adam Bradley

How to Grow Really Sweet Tomatoes Organically

PLANTING LOCATIONS

When transplanting seedlings, bury all the seedling stem below the ground, leaving only the top leaves exposed. This encourages roots to grow the full length of the stem, which is below soil level, giving you a large root system. This in turn gives you larger healthier fruit and is a little trick my grandfather taught me; works fantastic too.They're an excellent choice for canning or preserving when you need a large quantity at once.Tomatoes need a long and relatively warm growing season. So, In many parts of the country, tomato seeds must be started indoors.Apply an organic leaf spray once every week or two until bloom.It is also not recommended to be growing tomatoes near the cabbage family, mature dill plants (inhibits growth), and corn (which attracts the horn worm).Indeterminate vines can grow from 6-20� long/tall, They are known to have better flavor than determinate types and keep growing and producing until good frost.SPROUTING SEEDSAllow 2� spacing between plants.N-P-K Levels: (N)-High (P)-High (K)-HighPruning these plants is necessary for good production or too much energy goes into growing the vine.Avoid over-head watering. This can cause disease and split the fruit. Try either drip irrigation, or if your garden area is small you can easily apply with a bucket, or watering can.For staked tomatoes, plant 2� apart. Tomatoes left to sprawl need 3 to 4 feet between plants.Prepare for growing the container tomato.WATERING - VERY IMPORTANTTomatoes also need well-drained soil. This can be achieved in raised beds, or by adding well-composted manure and compost to the soil.Tomatoes germinate well in a soil-less material such as perlite or vermiculite. The germination phase is approximately 6 days when soil temperature is kept between 78�- 86�F.Lay the plant down in the hole with only the top leaves showing above the soil level.Plant deeper than they were before (especially if they have gotten spindly). We use quart cartons or 4" planting pots and re-use them annually.DETERMINATE VS. INDETERMINATE VARIETIESThere are several reasons why growing espalier tomatoes in courtyards or on patios is desirable and primarily because they can be grown by taking up only a small amount of space that is available. Another benefit of growing this way is that by spreading the branches out the fruit receives maximum sunlight. The warmth from the wall also speeds up the ripening time of the fruit.Once your tomato is positioned in the hole, fill hole half way with soil. Fill the rest of the way with water. Let the water drain; finish filling the hole with dirt.1. Decide on the trellis style, locate and attach it to the wall5. Plant the tomato seedling in the pot up to the top 4 to 6 leaves (yes, that is right as the stem will grow roots and be a strong plant to support the weight of the tomato tree)Tomatoes need full sun - make sure your tomato plants get most of the available sun between 7am and 7pm during most of the summer.When the weather warms up use organic mulch around your plants to save precious water; to encourage more root growth and a stronger plant you can build the level of the mulch right up to the level of the bottom leaves.Don't store tomatoes in the fridge; this changes their consistency, making them mushy and less flavorful.Many problems with tomatoes can be avoided by maintaining proper pH levels.FOR COOLER CLIMATES - STARTING BEDDING PLANTS INDOORSWhy grow espalier tomatoes?When growing tomatoes make sure the conditions remain constant throughout the growing season, that means maintain a moist soil and do not let them dry out as you risk them being exposed to the disease blossom end rot, or you may find that the fruit will crack. Check the soil regularly; cheap gauges are readily available for this purpose. However, ensure that the ground does not become waterlogged as this can encourage fungal diseases.One pound of lime per 30 sq. ft. should be sufficient. Lime will also increase your levels of potassium (K).Once seedlings emerge, keep the room temperature no higher than 70�F and soil consistently moist but not soggy.We also discovered that broiling green tomatoes in the oven brings out the flavor and makes for fantastic salsa!Discard sick or spindly plants that could potentially be disease carriers.Use soft twine, strips of cloth, or strips cut from old pantyhose to tie up branches to stakes. Rough garden twine can cut into your plant.Indeterminate Varieties:Determinate varieties (bush varieties) grow 1-3� long/tall.If you know what diseases are prevalent in your area, buying seed varieties that are resistant to those diseases will be your best prevention.The job is to decide on a nice sunny position. Healthy tomato plants need 6 to 8 hours sunlight. Once the location is decided then the next steps can take place:Good companions with tomatoes are cucumber, lettuce, onion, parsley, basil (repels mosquito and flies), asparagus, bush beans, celery, carrots, mint and chives (promote health) and garlic.Tomatoes grow best in a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Correct amounts of calcium (lime) may be added to the soil to bring the pH level up.Occasionally pinch off the tip of the plant to promote more flowering and fruit production.To improvise, we just propped football-sized rocks under the tomato clusters of the unstaked plants to keep them off the ground. The result (due to the heat the rocks retained) was that we had tomatoes a full two weeks earlier than anyone else!Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye DennanStart your seeds 6-8 weeks before all danger of frost is past and garden soil temperature is 60�-70�F.3. Cover the holes on the bottom of the pot with fine mesh and fill the bottom 3 inches with small rocks to help with drainageAnd another variety question, "Why were we told that tomatoes are red?"Sowing tomato seeds 6-8 weeks (no earlier than 8 weeks) before setting out is sufficient growing time. Our plants are bushier and more vibrant when we are patient.Another method for achieving ripe tomatoes before the frost hits is to �stress� them by cutting the roots about half way around the plant with a shovel.Growing tomatoes from seed gives you access to a whole different world of these native South American jewels.Determinate plants set fruit once and stop.Tomatoes are the foundation of many preserved foods. Salsas, pizza and spaghetti sauces, soups, and chopped tomatoes are staples at our home.We�ve been successful planting in rocky soil (small stones). The rocks absorb and retain heat and keep the soil warm into the evening.One question we are asked is "What Does it Mean by �Days� on My Seed Packet"With just a little planning and not much hard work, you'll find growing tomatoes will satisfy your sense of achievement. They can be grown almost anywhere, in containers, greenhouses, balconies or the garden bed.If your particular plant requires staking, put the stake in the hole first to save damage to the rooting system. Be sure to water your plants as soon as you have transplanted them, you can use a seaweed fertilizer at this point.Yet, allowing indeterminate (see the addendum at the end of this article that discusses determinate and indeterminate tomato plants) tomato plants to sprawl across the ground will actually produce more fruit.My brother freezes his tomatoes whole. The advantage to freezing, is that you don't need to blanch your tomatoes; when you thaw the tomatoes, the skins come off as easily as if you'd blanched them.Pruned tomato plants are likely to produce fruit two weeks earlier than plants that are not pruned.We used to start our tomatoes indoors much earlier than we do now.You can start from seed or seedlings, why not experiment with both if you're a novice. If you are starting from seed then sow them indoors several weeks before you expect the last frost in your area and they will be ready to transplant outdoors when the soil warms up. Plant them in a position where they will receive six hours of sunshine a day. Prepare the soil, ensuring that it is well drained. To give a flying start to your season adding mushroom compost to the soil which works wonders for the seedlings.Continue weekly dose of liquid organic leaf spray until bloom.You will notice the numerous �hairs� on the stem. Each one of those fine hairs is a potential root and the more of these that can be placed in the ground the stronger root system will develop.There are two options when growing tomatoes�to stake or not to stake.The espalier system also makes tending the tomato plant easier as all the branches are accessible and therefore control of pests and diseases is easier. As the branches are spread out and the leaves get a better chance to dry, there is less chance of blight and other diseases taking a hold on the plant.6. As the plant grows spread the branches out to the left and right (although they can be taken one way if the pot has been placed at the end of the trellis) and tie to the trellis. Use 2 inch strips of nylon stocking or rag to secure the plant as they do not cut through the soft stems of the tomato plant.Applying plenty of organic compost, well-composted manure, and rock minerals (such as lime) listed above, will help strengthen your tomato plants against insects and disease.The most important clue to look for when choosing your tomato seeds is how many days the plant takes to produce ripe fruit.Once plants flower, side-dress plants with compost.STORAGE AND PRESERVATIONTransplant seedlings at least once to a larger flat or container before planting outside.When a frost is predicted, you have two choices�7. Prune unnecessary branches coming from the V-joints so that the branches that you kept have room to grow.Spider mites - If you see tiny red spots on undersides of the leaves it is likely spider mites. Yellow speckling on leaves may indicate your plant is being feasted on by these tiny pests. Knock them off by spraying with water or use a natural, organic insecticidal soap.Sow seeds in flats �� deep � 1� apart.GROWINGSort (by ripeness) and place in boxes, one layer thick. Store in a dark, warm area. Even green tomatoes will ripen.COMMON CHALLENGES GROWING TOMATOESCarefully break off lower branches that grow downwards. Pinch off any suckers (sprouts that grow between the main stem and the branches), leaving them on the top 1/3 of the plant to help shade the plant from sun scald.When a catalog lists �days� under the description of the seed, this is what it is referring to. Day 1 starts the day the plant is transplanted to the outdoors, not germination.Consistent and even watering practices also help to maintain plant health and prevent disease which can harm root growth and blossom production.4. Prepare the soil so that it is the right mix for tomato plants and it will probably need 8-8-8 fertilizer, organic compost and check for other nutrients as wellSeparate nightshade family plants in your garden from each other such as potatoes (prone to early and late blight), tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. They are subject to the same diseases.2. Have a pot that is a minimum of 12 inches (preferably 18 inches) across at the top or even biggerPLANTING (Planting seeds directly into the garden)HARVESTING TOMATOESTomatoes don't store well but will last several days on the counter, out of direct sunlight.Here in Eastern Washington, with our short growing season and long winters, it�s hard to resist the gardening bug that hits in February.One to two weeks before transferring your tomato�s from indoor conditions to outdoors, it is highly recommended to �harden off� your tomato plants.Sprinkle the bottom of each hole with several inches of loose compost (N). Place handful of bone meal (P) and 1 teaspoon Epsom salts (magnesium) which will encourage plant productivity and vitality.You can start them from seed easily; the varieties and choices you have to suit your tastebuds are endless, and you can expect abundant harvests, with few guidelines to follow. Home-grown tomatoes taste a lot better than commercially grown ones because you can pick and eat them fresh from the plant. You can get a better quality, tasting tomato from the seed catalogues and they give you a much wider range of tomatoes than any supermarket could possibly offer. The descriptions will help you find tomatoes that are exceptional and suited to your taste and environment.Watering should be moderate to high until fruit begins to ripen. During ripening, only small amounts of water should be applied to plants. This will allow for the best flavor in the tomatoes.With newly transplanted indoor seedlings, increase exposure to light and cut back slightly on the watering but don't allow soil to completely dry out.Staked tomatoes are less likely to rot (being off the ground). They produce higher levels of vitamin C due to more sun exposure.Tomatoes range in color from purple, green, yellow, pink, red, orange, white, & striped.BEST TIME TO PLANTThe main stem produces about 3 flower clusters; when flowers form at the tip, production stops.All other requirements of growing a strong tomato plant apply to one growing in a container, whether espaliered or not. It will need fertilizer, and organic compost. One step not to miss that is very important is to water the plant every day, preferably early morning. So when you have got this all set up, sit back and enjoy the growing process and most of all those delicious tomatoes at the end of the growing season.If using water walls (I speak from experience, here) be sure to remove them once the plant grows beyond the height of the wall. Otherwise, serious plant breakage may occur when removing the walls.Determinate Varieties:

If you know what diseases are prevalent in your area, buying seed varieties that are resistant to those diseases will be your best prevention.

Author: Barry Brown